Courses

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About NUI Galway

Since 1845, NUI Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.

Course Overview

Energy Systems Engineering is a multidisciplinary programme that aims to meet the current and growing challenge of dwindling fossil fuel resources and the critical demand for alternative, renewable energy sources as a national, Europe-wide and global priority. The programme covers fundamental engineering knowledge and skills in such areas as energy generation, conversion, electrical power systems and energy management (buildings, transport, industry, etc.), along with modules on energy sources, energy policy, economics and associated environmental issues.

The programme will provide you with the skills to develop as a professional engineer who specialises in dealing with the breadth of energy systems used to generate, convert, transmit and manage energy throughout multiple networks, including electrical power, fuel, IT, water, transport and cities. Optional modules will provide you with a technical focus on different sectors of the industry. The early years of the programme will cover the fundamental sciences and mathematics, along with introductory modules on energy systems and sources. Multidisciplinary energy systems design projects will be supported by advanced modules in engineering design, analysis and information technology.

Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 Level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) or Technology, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Additional Requirements

Students must obtain a minimum of Grade H4 in the Higher Level Leaving Certificate paper in Mathematics or, alternatively, obtain a pass in the Engineering Maths Qualifying Examination (held in the University).

For A-Levels: A minimum of Grade C in Mathematics is required.

Duration

4 years

Next start date

September 2018

A Level Grades (2017)

ABB & b (AS) or equivalent combination

Average intake

40

Closing Date

Next start date

September 2018

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

GY413

PAC code

Course Outline

Year 1

Engineering Calculus

Engineering Mathematical Methods

Engineering Mechanics

Engineering Chemistry

Engineering Physics

Fundamentals of Engineering

Engineering Graphics

Engineering Design

Engineering Computing

Year 2

Engineering Calculus

Engineering Algebra

Engineering Statistics

Strength of Materials

Principles of Buildings

Electrical Circuits and Systems

Theory of Machines

Fluid mechanics

Engineering Computation

Energy and Sustainability Laboratories and Project

Year 3 and 4

Core Topics:

Sustainable Energy

Offshore Energy

Electrical Power and Machines

Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

Programming and Modelling

Control Systems

Systems Engineering

Smart Grid

Biofuels

Planning and Law

Professional Skills and Management

Energy Systems Laboratory Exercises and Projects

Optional Topics:Students will focus on civil, mechanical or electrical aspects of Energy Systems

Environmental and Energy Systems in Buildings

Sustainable Construction

Power Systems

Power Electronics

Turbomachines and Advanced Fluid Dynamics

Advanced Mechanical Design

Why should I do a 5th year to obtain a Masters qualification in Engineering?

A Masters degree qualification (ME) from the College of Engineering and Informatics at NUI Galway helps you to distinguish yourself in a competitive job market. It enables you to develop specialist skills you will need to succeed at the highest levels in your chosen field. It is part of an integrated (Bachelors + Masters) 4+1 programme of study, which is accredited by the Engineers Ireland under European Framework Standards. This means that the Master of Engineering degree is recognised internationally to be equivalent to accredited engineering degree programmes in many other countries (for example ABET accredited Engineering Degree programs in the United States). These 5 year qualification satisfies the requirements to allow you to apply for a Chartered Engineer title, which is a badge of excellence for the Engineering profession that is awarded for knowledge and competence. Thus with a 5 year Masters Degree in Engineering from NUI Galway, you will be able to have your qualification recognised if you want to secure high value employment in many of the world's leading Engineering/Technology companies.

Follow chosen course of Engineering to Masters level.

This programme provides training in three areas: advanced technologies in energy systems engineering, transferable skills for employment and/or a research career in the energy sector, and technology development through an energy systems engineering project.

Further Education

Upon completion of the undergraduate degree, suitably qualified students have the option to enrol and continue their studies to Masters or PhD level.

Students can advance to Masters level (ME) through our one year taught Masters programme (September-June) that builds on the successful completion of their undergraduate programme, subject to a sufficient standard (2nd Class Honours minimum). This programme is an integrated follow-on to the BE programme and is designed to meet Engineers Ireland’s criterion for Level 9 degrees, providing graduates with a route to Chartered Engineering status that will be recognised worldwide.

Masters degree education is becoming increasingly the norm internationally in Engineering, and this programme strengthens the ability of our graduates to compete nationally and internationally at the highest level for employment in industry and other sectors of the economy.

In PhD research, as well as Masters research projects, students tackle the big questions around energy in both Irish and international contexts. Topics include biomass, combustion, wave energy, and energy efficiency.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Energy Systems Engineering prepares students for career opportunities in fields related to the generation, conversion, transmission and use of energy and in the design of sustainable and advanced energy technologies, the operation of power generation systems, the development of energy-efficient products and processes, manufacturing, the construction of power plants and renewable energy systems, the design and operation of smart energy management systems, consultancy, the design of efficient and sustainable buildings, power distribution, transport, environmental protection, and research.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Work Placement

You will engage in energy systems design projects containing many aspects of engineering analysis and design, and that include civil, mechanical, electrical, informatics, professional skills, economics and policy. This will enable students to gain specialist knowledge in particular energy sectors, such as buildings, transportation, renewable and conventional power generation, electrical power systems, energy informatics and policy. Students will undertake an eight-month (January-August), off-campus work placement following completion of their third year of study, which significantly improves their chances of obtaining employment after graduation. In the event that no external placement is available, students will be given relevant projects on campus in collaboration with college staff.

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€7,492 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Tuition

€4,268 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Student Contribution

€3,000 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Student levy

€224 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Non EU

€13,750 p.a. 2017/18

EU Fees 2017/18:- Tuition: may be paid by the Irish Government on your behalf if you qualify for free tuition fees see - free fee initiative.- Student Contribution: €3,000 - payable by all students but may by paid by SUSI if you apply and are deemed eligible for a means tested SUSI grant.- Student Levy:€224 - payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI.